Questions and those moments! *Part One how to best ask questions to a little one

Yes I gave a very dramatic example of questions Gracie has asked of me but ah they do melt your heart.

There are many times you have to ask your niece or nephew a question and the answers often have you completely taken off-guard with their erm, originality LOL! Whenever I asked Gracie a question I always set the context of the question first, we have to remember these little brains are operating with more brain cells than we have so it takes them a while to register the answer which is why with their innate ability for originality comes so easy for them. I got that from Life Lessons From a Brain Surgeon because they have to absorb so much information and their brains are organising them in their own way, so we need to be like a driving instructor to give them benefit of the doubt. 

Start with the basics, for example classic theme of “what do you want for tea tonight?” that’s the worst question ever! The answer is often what they are familiar with or that is usually quick to make. Replace that with “we are having ‘ ‘ for tea tonight so that you have lots more vegetables. In the fridge we have broccoli, cauliflower and carrots which two would you like in your tea?” give them the options with limits so it is easier for them. And try to avert the focus on ready meals, sometimes families cannot buy vegetables and fruit but they are essential for a child’s development and understanding and appreciation of the world and the work you put into making food. 

TOPTIP: If you cannot afford electricity or if your child doesn’t want a hot dinner try grating the carrot, chopping the cauliflower so that it’s like cold rice or eating the tree-like broccoli after a nice walk talking about nature and how good it is for us. Add some nice sauce or salad dressing and you have a good meal full of nutrients and healthy cheese on top will add essential fats and protein if you are a meat eater and your child loves meat you don’t have to always have meat at every tea and lunch and breakfast but if you like you can serve a cold meat platter with the vegetables and dressings it is amazing what you can create with the basic spices and herbs (you can grow them too). 

Something I learned from Gracie at meal times was that she enjoyed it as a social place and time, and learning how to eat with good manners was something that she took from me and tried to copy. Do not be afraid of giving your child a children’s knife and fork, they will discover and practice how to eat correctly when you set the table and make mealtimes a good space to share and learn. Just loved it when she tried to copy me using a knife and her Mummy saw Gracie and gave her a child’s knife and she did so well. Just love it!

….. Next time in Part Two I will share with you how to respond to grumpy retorts it’s not as bad or as rude as you think!